Lords responds to Government statements

14 June 2010

Lord Marland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change repeated the Government statement on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. It was one of three government statements repeated in the House of Lords on 14 June. The other statements were on Afghanistan and the work of the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The statement, which expressed sympathy for those affected by the explosion and subsequent oil spill, said that stopping the environmental damage was a key priority. The statement also said that an urgent review of standards and procedures in the oil and gas industry was being undertaken that will address the lessons from this incident when they are available.

At the end of a statement Members of the Lords can respond or question the government minister on its contents.

Issues raised following the statement included fairness in assigning responsibility and accountability for the incident, expanding low-carbon technologies, the payment of dividends by BP, insurance coverage and the adoption of new safety standards as a result of the lessons from this incident.

Statement on Afghanistan

The Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde repeated the Government statement on Afghanistan.

Further information

The Government uses statements to make announcements about matters of policy, government actions, and national or international emergencies. Statements are usually read out by a minister but can also be made in writing. A statement can be made in either or both Houses.

Members can respond or question the minister for a limited period following a statement.